Water intake may help with allergies

Allergies have caused many people to dread the spring, or pets, or… With allergies having many causes, one possible solution may await our trial- water. A good inner-rinse can do wonders to rid the body of the irritating allergens. See today’s excerpt for more details.

Spring has sprung and so has the official start of the allergy season. It is quite common for patients to come to my office during allergy season thinking they have a tooth infection emanating from a toothache in the upper back teeth. In fact, these seasonal allergies can create sinus pain in the upper teeth and gums because they touch the maxillary sinuses. Increased pollen in the air inevitably brings a variety of symptoms such as sinus congestion and pressure, sneezing, sniffing, coughing, as well as itchy and watery eyes. Sinus congestion can also produce swollen gums, headache, fatigue, and cause swelling of the face and gums.

Here are my top tips for dealing with pesky pollen:

It all starts with nutrition. Seasonal allergies put your immune system on alert, stressing your body and increasing the need for nutritional support. Remember the A-list: Alkalizing , Anti-inflammatory, and Antioxidant-rich.

Eat green leafy veggies and juices, lots of berries (especially blueberries), fresh fruits and vegetables. At the same time, avoid foods that produce mucus such as sugar, dairy, and wheat. Supplements such as grapeseed extract, quercetin, and vitamin C are also effective in reducing allergy symptoms.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Seasonal allergies are brutal on the body’s ability to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water to flush your system and support the elimination of the foreign irritants in your system. Hydrating also thins out mucus and supports sinus drainage. Sinus congestion also leads to dry mouth and the decrease in the presence of protective saliva. This can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine as they are dehydrating. The goal is to drink 8 (6-8 oz) glasses of water per day.